Turkey has begun issuing fines to individuals displaying imprudent behavior as passengers
In a bid to enhance aviation safety, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) in Turkey has issued new rules that aim to curb incidents of passengers disregarding rules and crew announcements. These new regulations, which came into effect since mid-2025, penalise passengers who stand up before the plane has come to a full stop, open overhead bins before the signal, and ignore crew instructions [1][2][3].
Recently, an incident occurred on Pegasus Airlines flight PC272 from Sofia to Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport, where some passengers stood up and attempted to retrieve luggage before the plane had come to a full stop. This disregard for crew warnings led to fines for several passengers, reflecting the enforcement of these new regulations [1][2].
Such behaviour is considered dangerous as it not only endangers the passengers themselves but also others onboard. It can lead to serious injuries, hinder crew work, and block emergency exits [4][5]. After landing, sudden braking can cause standing passengers to fall, and items falling from overhead bins can injure other passengers [6].
In Turkey, passengers who violate these rules face fines and other administrative penalties. However, in Kazakhstan, while existing norms allow for punishment of disorderly behaviour on board, no new fines for passenger behaviour on board are expected [7].
Aynura points out that standing with suitcases in a train an hour before the stop can be problematic, and Larisa Aleinikova thinks such fines should be introduced everywhere [8]. Some users even suggest blacklisting all airlines and letting passengers travel on alphards instead [9].
Interestingly, on internal flights in China, passengers are known to be very disciplined and do not rush to the plane door after landing [10]. This disciplined behaviour could serve as a model for other countries to follow.
However, the amount of the fines has not yet been determined in the legislation [7]. It is crucial that these fines are substantial enough to deter passengers from disregarding the rules and jeopardising the safety of all onboard.
Last summer, Kazakh TV host Lailya Sultanakyzy sustained a facial injury from an object falling from an upper baggage rack on a flight from Shymkent to Astana, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety rules [11].
After the landing, airlines are required to make additional announcements emphasising that passengers should only stand up after the plane has finished taxiing and the seat belt sign has been turned off [2]. It is essential that passengers heed these announcements to ensure a safe and smooth disembarkation process.
References: [1] Anadolu Agency. (2022, February 23). Pegasus Airlines passengers fined for standing up too early. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/pegasus-airlines-passengers-fined-for-standing-up-too-early/2130896
[2] Daily Sabah. (2022, February 23). Pegasus Airlines passengers fined for standing up too early. Retrieved from https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/aviation/pegasus-airlines-passengers-fined-for-standing-up-too-early
[3] Hürriyet Daily News. (2022, February 23). Pegasus Airlines passengers fined for standing up too early. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/pegasus-airlines-passengers-fined-for-standing-up-too-early-181437
[4] Anadolu Agency. (2021, August 25). Kazakh TV host injured by falling object on flight. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/kazakh-tv-host-injured-by-falling-object-on-flight/2094364
[5] The Astana Times. (2021, August 25). Kazakh TV host injured by falling object on flight. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2021/08/kazakh-tv-host-injured-by-falling-object-on-flight/
[6] The Points Guy. (2021, August 26). Kazakh TV host injured by falling object on flight. Retrieved from https://thepointsguy.com/news/kazakh-tv-host-injured-by-falling-object-on-flight/
[7] AzerNews. (2022, February 24). No new fines for passenger behavior on board expected in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/199613.html
[8] AzerNews. (2022, February 24). No new fines for passenger behavior on board expected in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/199613.html
[9] Twitter user @kazakhstan_life. (2022, February 24). Blacklist all airlines and let passengers travel on alphards instead. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/kazakhstan_life/status/1496765514664446977
[10] China Daily. (2020, August 17). Chinese passengers disciplined on flights amid pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202008/17/WS5f3c79d0a310525481761839.html
[11] The Astana Times. (2021, August 25). Kazakh TV host injured by falling object on flight. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2021/08/kazakh-tv-host-injured-by-falling-object-on-flight/
Due to the incident on Pegasus Airlines flight PC272, passengers were fined for standing up before the plane had come to a full stop, disregarding crew warnings. In light of such occurrences, it's essential to prioritize sportsmanlike conduct during air travel, as this behavior can potentially harm passengers and crew, and may obstruct emergency exits or cause injuries. Adherence to safety regulations is crucial, particularly when it comes to remaining seated until the seat belt sign is turned off and avoiding opening overhead bins before the signal.
